Oh, Christmas trees...

We've had our trees up since the weekend after Thanksgiving.  We are enjoying them!  We love to turn the lights out and just sit in the glow of the Christmas lights. 

Connor especially loves them this year.  When he walks into the back door, he goes straight to the lights and says "On momma, turn them on".  He then goes to Caroline's and his bedroom and we have to turn on their trees.  He tells me every day that they are "pitty" (pretty).  He's NOT into Santa, but he's SO into the lights, which thrills me because that's one of my favorite parts.  

 Jed and I bought the tree in our living room the first year we were married.  So, this tree is making its fifth debut.  I don't have a theme for my tree or a specific color scheme. We have a great collection of ornaments.  I started my collection about eight years ago when I was in college.  I love to pull them out every year and reminisce. 

This is my new favorite ornament.  Brooke Ward Williams made it for me.  Incase you can't see it, it says: The Blackwells 2009: Jed, Heather, Connor, and Caroline.  She also drew little pictures of us.  I think it is adorable!  The yellowish circle between Jed and me is just the reflection from the flash.  It's not really on the ornament.   

This year I decided to do little trees in Connor and Caroline's rooms.  Their trees sit on their dressers.  They're not big trees, but they do the job.  As I said, Connor loves them.  I'm so glad I did them this year.  I'm going to make it a tradition every year!

Connor's tree is an Alabama tree.  I found some cute Alabama footballs at K-Mart and the round glitter balls (that just happen to be crimson and silver) at Target.  I used garland that I found at the Dollar Tree.  The bow was made from ribbon that I purchased at Wal-Mart.  I'm most proud of the tree skirt.  It was actually one of his baby blankets.

Caroline's tree matches her bedroom.  I used bright colored balls I got at Target, ribbon from Wal-Mart, and beaded garland from K-Mart.  Her tree skirt is one of her towels.

While I was at Dollar Tree I found this super cute metallic Christmas tree that I thought matched her room perfectly.  It looks super cute on her dresser!    

Everyone is asleep in my house.  I'm going to go sit in the recliner and enjoy my lights.  Merry Christmas!!!

Baby, It's Cold (and Rainy) Outside!!!

We spent a wonderful day at home today.  I needed it SO MUCH!!!  I"ve been way too busy lately; it was good to spend time with my Jed, Connor, and Caroline.  Caroline and I stayed in our pjs all day.  I don't know about you, but that's my kind of day!! 

Even though we spent a great day at home, I was still a busy bee.  I washed and folded 5 loads of laundry today and still have about 4 more to go tomorrow.  I think every piece of clothing we own was dirty.  I also got my Christmas cards ready to be mailed.  And I snuggled alot with Connor!  He was in that kind of mood, and I was loving it.  He hasn't done that in months. 

I am very blessed.  Life is good......

      

Like mother like daughter.....

This dress was actually my dress when I was a little girl.  I wore it my first Christmas. My mom saved it and pulled it out of storage a few weeks ago.

While I was taking trying to take Christmas card pictures, I pulled it out and snapped a few pictures of Caroline wearing it.  I think it's still festive and cute even though it is almost 28 years old.  I probably shouldn't say that because it tells my age!! 

                                    

This is what Caroline looked like for the majority of the picture taking process.  She was extremely happy and slobbery!  She gave us lots of beautiful smiles.  Until......

                                      

She became hungry.  I've told you before; this girl is serious about her food.  When it's time, it is time!! 

I've been super busy the past week and its not going to get any better!!  We were out of town both Saturday and Sunday celebrating Christmas with both sides of the family.  We've got more get-togethers planned for this weekend as well as a little shopping. 

Maybe I'll be back before Christmas is over to post pictures of our Christmas trees.  

Merry Christmas, everyone!!!!!!!!  

23 months

Connor turned 23 months Saturday.  We've only got one more month to go until he's the big 2.  Party preparations are under way!  I can't believe God blessed us with our little man almost two years ago.  It seems like yesterday.....

It's so hard to come up with new things that he's accomplished.  It's not that he's not doing new things or saying new things, there is just not as many as there were during his first year.  That's when all the big things happen!  With that said, here are some things that Connor is doing that Jed and I came up with tonight!

Connor loves his baby sister.  He laughs at her a lot.  He thinks she is hilarious.  He still calls her sister.  He won't even attempt to say Caroline anymore.

He's a big helper.  He will do anything you ask him to, except pick up his toys.  When Caroline finishes her bottle before bed, Connor will grab it and go drop it into the sink.  He will also take things to the trash can for us.  One day he is going to find out just exactly what is in those diapers and then he won't be a big helper anymore, but until then......  He also loves to wipe the table after we eat dinner.  He says "wipe, mommy, wipe", until I give in and let him wipe the table. 

He loves to dance.  The other night, Jed and I were playing some of our "old school" music, and Connor had a great time shaking his tail feathers.  (One day our lack of rhythm will embarrass Connor but right now we're having a blast dancing with him!)  My mom has a Santa that plays music; he will push the button and just stand there, bend his knees, and shake his booty.  It is too cute! 

He's still saying the prayer in his own jibberish. But now he will say it with Jed instead of waiting until afterwards to do it.  The other night Connor was ready to eat, and Jed was feeding Caroline her baby food.  Jed stopped feeding Caroline to say the blessing for Connor.  I paused at the kitchen counter (so it would count for me), but when I sat down at the table, Connor clasped his hands in front of him and said a little prayer for me.  It was so sweet.

He's been saying a few new things.  He's really getting good about using phrases and sentences.  One of my favorites is "it's pitty momma, it's pitty", which he says about our Christmas tree.  He also said "it's not on momma".  When Jed or I leave the house, he says "daddy be back, daddy be back" or "mommy be back, mommy be back".  Notice I used both mommy and momma because he calls me both.  It just depends on what kind of mood he's in.

He is SO not a morning person.  This has been going on for a while now.  He hates for us to wake him up.  He kicks, screams, and cries.  (which is exactly how I feel in the morning, so I guess he got it honest....)  He has to be held and needs his milk right away.  He cries when we brush his hair and his teeth.  He usually stops when we put him in the car to go to Mrs. Rose's. 

He's also not so crazy about taking pictures anymore.  He either won't sit still long enough for me to snap the picture or he puts on his pouty face.  His pouty face is cute, but it's not one I want in every picture.

He loves to get a hair cut. He got one last Wednesday morning.  He did so well!  He sits so still for Mrs. Robin (I wish he could do that for me while I took his picture!).

Connor Ward you are so precious to us.  Your daddy, Caroline, and I love you so much.  We love watching you grow everyday!   

*****The pictures of him in pjs at the kitchen table were taken Sunday morning.  He woke up in a "wonderful" mood with a CRAZY hairdo; of course, I had to take pictures....  I didn't get a good picture of his pjs, but they have an airplane on them.  My mother bought them on a shopping trip when Jed and I were trying to get pregnant, but with no luck.  I knew if I ever had a little boy, I wanted his nursery to be done in airplanes.  So my mom bought them and put them away and when we found out we were pregnant she gave them to me.  I found them in his closet a few days ago and thought about all of those days I prayed for him and longed to have a child.  Thank you God for blessing me with my precious little boy!!!!!

Caroline is six months old!

Our sweet baby girl is six months old.  At her 6 month check-up, Dr. E said she was a healthy little girl.  She weighed 15 pounds and 13 ounces.  She was 27 inches long.  Here are a few things about her and what she's been up to:

She is now sitting up all by herself.  This happened on November 7.  I remember this because Jed had flown to the Bama vs. LSU game, and he missed it.  But Connor and I just laughed and laughed at her.  We were so proud!  She was a little wobbly at first, but now she's a pro!!

She's also drinking some juice out of a sippy cup.  She's not holding it by herself, but she can sure suck on it.  I don't do this often but occasionally.  I had to because she almost attacks Connor to get to his cup.

 
She's finishing up her stage 1 baby food and eating some stage 2.  She'll be completely on it by next week.  She's also finishing up size 2 diapers and moving into size 3s.  The 2s were beginning to look like bikini underwear.  She is wearing a few 3-6 month dresses, but she is mainly wearing 6 months and 6-9 month sizes.  

She REALLY loves her bottle.  If there is one in sight, whether it's empty or full or whether she just ate, she will pitch a fit until you give it to her. 

She cries if you take a toy away from her.  She will also lung herself to get to an object, especially earrings, necklaces, watches, and diamonds.  I think we're going to be in trouble in this aspect.  She loves all things sparkly!!

She squeals to get Connor's attention.  And when she gets it, she laughs and bangs her toys to make him laugh.  It thrills my soul to see them playing with each other and loving each other!!!

She loves her toys.  Yesterday she sat in the floor while I was decorating the tree.  I put her basket of toys beside her and she grabbed out what she wanted.  She has a little baby doll that she likes right now.  She also loves rattles.

She has been sucking on her pacifier a little more lately and not her pointer finger!!  Hooray!!  Maybe she will continue to love her pacifier more....

Sweet Caroline, we love you SO much!  You are precious--a true blessing!!  

Happy Thanksgiving! (yesterday)

Lately, I've been days or even weeks late on everything that I've posted, but I couldn't let this holiday go by without posting several things I'm thankful for.....

I'm thankful for....

• God.  He is so wonderful and mighty.  I've seen Him work so much in my life in the last three years.  He loves me more than I can even fathom.  He sent his Son for me (and you).  I never really knew what a sacrifice that was until I had children of my own.  Now I have a whole new perspective....  It brings me to my knees to know that he sent his precious Son for me.  Thank you God for forgiving me of my many sins and blessing me daily!
• my husband.  He loves me and our children with all of his heart.  He is a good man, a loving husband, and a great father.  He watches our children (by himself) for me to work out two nights a week.  He bathes both Connor and Caroline everynight.  He loves the Lord and strives to be a good example for our children (except during the Alabama and Auburn football game, but we're working on that!  Ha, ha!!).  
• my children.  I have two wonderful children.  It is so hard to imagine what life was like before them.  They are such blessings.  I love watching them grow, discover, and love each other everyday.  They both bring me so much joy and happiness!!!
• my health.  I kind of took this for granted until I became pregnant with Connor and had SO many complications and such a close call the night he was delivered.  I am so thankful that the Lord was with me, Connor, and the doctors and nurses that took care of me that night. 
• my family.  I am so thankful for my family, all of my family--my parents, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephew, and my in-laws.  They have all been such a support throughout my life.  We love getting together and being with each other.  They all love me for who I am and for that I'm thankful. 
• my friends.  I have had so many friends during my lifetime.  Some are close friends; some were high school friends; some are "teaching" friends; some are blogging friends; some are college friends; some are camp friends.  Every one of my friends have a special place in my heart.  I am so thankful for each of you!!!   
• my job.  I have a wonderful job.  I work at a great school with good people.  I have been teaching for almost six years.  I have taught approximately 100 different children.  They have all taught me so many things.  They make me laugh, sometimes their situations make me cry.  I am so thankful that the Lord blessed me with the talent to teach.  I pray I touch my student's lives as much as they touch mine!         

This is just a small list of what I'm thankful for.  There is so much more.  But it's late, and I'm getting tired! We had a great Thanksgiving and are looking forward to Christmas...

I couldn't post without doing a picture or two.  Here's a few more fall pictures of the kids....

Go-Go

Jed and I were on our way Saturday to Destin to do a little Christmas shopping when we got a call that his Go-Go (his Dad's mom) passed away.  So, we turned around and headed to Pensacola to visit with family.  On our way home, our thoughts turned to Go-Go and her life.  Her 84th birthday would have been the first of December.  She lived 83 wonderful years.  She was married to Pops for 62 years.  

Jed and I agreed that if we could use one word to describe Go-Go it would be STRONG.  She had such a strong mind and spirit.  Her health and body failed her greatly over the past year, but she held strong and fought hard.  She  suffered a stroke.  Here's a picture of her with Caroline in June.  This was the first time she met Caroline. 

Please keep our family in your prayers, especially Jed's grandad, Pops.  He's going to need lots of prayers and support. 

One fun weekend....

Okay, I should have posted this like three weeks ago, but as you can see I've gotten very behind.  We had a very busy Halloween weekend.  Friday night we had the Church Fall Festival (which I've already posted about), Saturday we did the Halloween thing, and Sunday we went to the Covington County Fair with the cousins.

Saturday, we trick-or-treated at our families homes and then headed to my mom and dad's for our annual Halloween get-together.  All of my family comes over and we enjoy good food and good fun.

We always have such a great time.  Here's a picture of all of the grandkids together. They all love each other so much!  And no, this is not my mom's couch.  It's my grandmothers.....

Sunday we went to the fair.  We were so worried that none of the children would love it.  Well.... We were WRONG!!!  They all loved it.  Everyone had a blast!!!!!

Caroline loved riding in her stroller, playing with her toys, and looking around at all the people and rides.  She was so good.  She even took a little nap.

While Caroline was strolling, the other kids were......RIDING!!!!  Look at the smile on Connor and Brock's faces.  Can't you tell how much fun they had? 

The kids rode the rides over and over again, and didn't get tired of them one bit!  I think we've found another tradition!  We are so blessed that our children have so many cousins their age that they can enjoy life with....

Church Fall Festival

Every year at church we have a fall festival.  We have a costume parade, a meal, games, pony rides, hay rides, and a bonfire.  We really enjoy the fellowship with other Christians!  Jed and I have been in charge of it for the past three years.  It always comes together and is successful because we have so many wonderful people who are able and willing to help!!!

Connor really enjoyed himself this year.  Caroline was good, but she had no clue what was going on.  As long as we gave her the bottle and her baby food, she was happy!

Connor dressed up as Elmo or Melmo has he calls it.  Caroline was a (girl) sock monkey.  This costume was actually Connor's from last year.  I just couldn't find anything that I loved for her, so at the last minute I decided to just add a bow to the costume.  I think she was cute! 

Connor was into the games this year.  I was able to walk around with him.  He even sat still to get his face painted.  He got a pumpkin; of course, it was rubbed off within five minutes.  But, it was cute!  (I don't know what is going on with my pictures.  I uploaded some from emails, I guess that's it?!)

After the games, we went down the hill to ride the pony.  Connor and Caroline both loved it.  She sat up there by herself for pictures and even grabbed the horn on the saddle like she knew what she was doing!  Of course, we got plenty of pictures!

 We ended the night with a hay ride.  It wasn't too cold.  Actually, it was very pleasant!  Connor loved it.  He sat in my lap, and we looked for the moon.  It kept going behind the clouds, and he would say "Bye, bye moon".  He snuggled with Jed and me.  Jed and I ate it up!  We both know it won't be long, and Connor will want nothing to do with us.... 

I'm closing with a few more pictures from our fun night.  The one below is of Connor and cousin Brock.  Brock was a puppy.  He showed up a little late and was unable to be in the costume parade. (that's why Connnor is not in his costume.)

Connor and Bailey posing.  Cousin Bailey was Tinker Bell.

 I can't help but post another picture of our baby girl. 

Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to post about Halloween.  If anyone knows what is going on with my pictures, please let me know!